For those students who strive to get recognition on a global level, studying abroad can be the first step towards a global exposure. Students who are ready to come out of their comfort zone and adapt to a different culture and lifestyle can go for higher studies outside the country. While there are many benefits of studying abroad like quality education, better research opportunities, making a good network etc, there are many myths and misconceptions that surround the topic of studying abroad.

Check out the top six myths and misconceptions that people usually have about studying abroad and get to know the real facts so that you don’t have to give up on your dreams to study abroad.

1. Myth: Studying abroad costs a fortune

Fact: Studying abroad might cost higher than pursuing higher education in India but, there are various scholarships and education loan offers that come to rescue when the cost of studying abroad worries you. The cost of studying varies from country to country and depends on the course that you have opted for, the duration of the course and various other factors. Moreover, there are many countries that offer free education to international students too!

So, once you have decided where you want to study and what course you’ll opt for, the next thing you can do is to calculate the course fees and living costs and then look for the available scholarships. There are many scholarships available on merit, financial needs etc, so choose which one to apply for, wisely.

2. Myth: Studying abroad is only for taking up courses like International relations and languages major

Fact: You can pursue any course abroad. You can do your majors for almost every subject. 10 years back, most of the Indian students who went abroad to study was either for completing their major in languages or humanities subjects only, but the scenario have changed in the last few years as more and more students are going abroad to pursue higher studies in business, engineering, management and medical sciences.

3. Myth: When it comes to studying abroad, 70% students prefer to go to Europe

Fact: This is not true, although Europe is the education hotspot for foreign students due to the affordable course fees, lifestyle and the ease to pursue most of the courses in English language apart from the high class education offered there and a degree that is recognized around the world. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Singapore and UAE also attract a decent number of overseas students every year. Courses like engineering, aviation, business management and tourism and hospitality are some of the most sought after courses in these countries because there are ample job opportunities, some of the universities even allow students to work for 20 hours per week to support their education costs.

4. Myth: Studying abroad is about partying and having fun

Fact: No doubt, you’ll get enough opportunities to relax and have fun over your course of stay in any of the foreign countries you go to but studying abroad is not about having fun all the time. The universities have strict rules about attendance and grades and they also need to participate in group activities and projects to showcase their skills. Better scores will also ensure that you grab best internships and job offers

5. Myth: Studying abroad won’t give you credits

Fact: In most of the international exchange programs, institutes often recognize the credits you earn abroad. Also, the study abroad curriculum is designed in such a way that they allow students to do internships in between semesters. So, students can volunteer to work in different organizations, teach etc, all of which will definitely add value to your resume.

Fact: In today’s scenario, employers are always looking out for diversity in the organization which is why they strongly focus on cross-culture promotion. Employers will always value your foreign degree, provided you can prove them that you have the required skills that the organization is looking for. The organization will be interested to see how your foreign degree can help in their profit and long-run.

If you don’t plan to study abroad and think you can pursue all that you have planned in your own country, go ahead, but if you dream to fly to another country for better opportunities and exposure, don’t let misconceptions make you take a backseat and hamper your dreams.